Bush fire breaks containment lines in Australian state

Picture taken on Nov.22, 2009, shows a helicopter throwing water bombs to damp fire at Rylstone town, NW Sydney. Fires broke out in Australia, burning the central west townships of Rylstone and Kandos and Clandulla, which has broken containment lines, putting some properties under threat. (AFP Photo)

Picture taken on Nov.22, 2009, shows a firefighter entering into the scene of bush fire at Rylstone town, NW Sydney. Fires broke out in Australia, burning the central west townships of Rylstone and Kandos and Clandulla, which has broken containment lines, putting some properties under threat.(AFP Photo)

CANBERRA, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- A fire burning west of the central west townships of Rylstone, Kandos and Clandulla has broken containment lines, putting some properties under threat.

An emergency warning has been declared for the central western townships after containment lines were breached on Sunday.

The fire, which has burnt through 1,260 hectares of bush land west of the townships, is now bearing down on some rural properties.

"The fire started on the northern side of Windamere Dam and ha crossed the dam," the Rural Fire Service (RFS) said.

The fire is threatening rural properties. "The fire is currently impacting properties along Pinnacle Road and White Rocks Road, to the west of Rylstone, where fire fighting crews are providing property protection."

RFS spokesman Anthony Clark said the fire would remain a threat well into Sunday afternoon because of scorching temperatures and gusty 70km winds.

Residents have been told to follow their Bush Fire Survival Plan and if they have any doubts about their ability to protect their property, to leave early.